Source: High-impact dams to transform agric – herald
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
The construction of larger dams, known as high-impact dams, in Zimbabwe is set to transform the country’s agricultural landscape and boost economic growth and farmer incomes
With a focus on rural industrialisation, the Government is rapidly advancing the construction of another 12 large dams aimed at irrigating at least 350 000 hectares. These dams and irrigation infrastructure will empower smallholder farmers and allow them to produce far larger harvests, boosting their incomes and supplying the raw materials for industry to buy locally.
By addressing critical water shortages, these dams are foundational to improving the lives of rural families and communities.
Among the completed projects are Tokwe Mukosi, Muchekeranwa, Marovanyati, and Chivhu dams, all of which are already providing essential water and irrigation services, or about to do so, to local communities.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the importance of these developments.
“We have reviewed all the dams that are under construction. We then do irrigation schemes and provide water for drinking. That’s rural development. This underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of its citizens through strategic infrastructure development.
Currently, several key projects are under construction, including Kunzvi, Dande, Gwayi-Shangani, Mbada, Bindura, Defe, Tuli Manyange, Semwa and Vungu.
The Government has allocated a substantial budget of US$1.1 billion for high-impact dam construction, which is progressing steadily across the country.
Notable projects include the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which is over 72 percent complete and designed to provide both irrigation and a reliable water supply for Bulawayo, a city facing water challenges and needing the extra water to realise its industrial potential. Similarly, the Kunzvi Dam, currently 65 percent complete, will supply water to Harare and its surrounding areas, with a little community irrigation, but being the first Harare reservoir not on the Manyami River.
Prof Jiri said the development of these dams is part of long-term plans to support smallholder irrigation and boost food production.
“The development of the dams was part of long-term plans to support smallholder irrigation, boost food and agricultural production and harness water for industrial and domestic use,” he said.
This comprehensive approach aims to create a sustainable agricultural framework while addressing crucial water shortages in rural areas.
The Government is continuing its multi-year programme to drill 35 000 boreholes across villages, one for each village, to give access to clean water.
Over 2 000 villages have already had their boreholes drilled. The construction of these dams is expected to spur economic growth by creating job opportunities in other sectors, including construction, agriculture and fisheries.
Moreover, the development of these dams is crucial for climate adaptation. By providing a reliable water supply, they help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture, which has historically been vulnerable to shifting weather patterns.
The Government is keen on promoting intensive conservation practices, such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which supports sustainable farming methods.
Chivhu Dam, commissioned in 2023, exemplifies the Government’s commitment to rural industrialisation, providing water to the town and facilitating agricultural activities in the area.
Similarly, the Runde-Tende Dam in Southern Masvingo aims to export some of its water to the Limpopo province in South Africa, enhancing regional cooperation and resource management.
As the Government continues to invest in dam construction, these projects are critical for facilitating rural industrialisation and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
The ongoing efforts to create a water-secure and climate-proof nation reflect a commitment to uplifting rural communities and enhancing food self-sufficiency.
The ambitious dam construction projects not only aim to improve agricultural productivity but also serve as a foundation for economic growth and resilience in rural areas.
By focusing on irrigation, fisheries, and sustainable practices, the Government is poised to transform the agricultural landscape and empower communities across Zimbabwe.
As these projects come to fruition, they will play a crucial role in driving the nation toward achieving its long-term developmental goals, setting the stage for a prosperous future for its rural populations.
Treasury has allocated ZiG400 million for the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi dams next year as the Government accelerates work on the flagship infrastructure projects to end water shortages in Bulawayo and Harare.
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